X-mas in B.A.

It was somewhat surreal waking up today in Buenos Aires, knowing about all the festivities that our family would be having back home. While Shelly and I have spent Christmas away from family in Colorado a few times, this was the first time that we spent it in a warm climate. Christmas and New Year’s are the height of summer for the Argentineans and it was kind of nice to not have the same commercial feel that you get in the U.S.

Since most things were closed for Christmas Eve and we were leaving tomorrow, we had to try to fit in everything today. We got going right away and headed towards the Recoleta Cemetery, which is where many of Argentina’s famous political, military, and historic figures are buried, including Evita. As you enter the gates, you immediately engulfed in a tight maze of ornate sarcophagi, most of which are carved out of stone.

By two we were in another square, meeting up with a bike tour that would take us through the sights on the south end of the city. We saw many of the different plazas and historic statues, and got to learn about some of the barrio’s and historic periods for the city. The weather was nice and it was a great way to see the city. After the four hour tour, we had to book it back to the hotel so we could get ready for dinner, because we had a reservation for a tango show at 10. Our first couple of restaurant choices were closed for Christmas, so the guys at Hotel Babel graciously set us up with another restaurant in the area. It was good, but still didn’t meet the high standard set from the first night. We ate fairly quickly and jumped back in a taxi and headed back to the other side of town to make the show. As we entered, I was asked if I was Erik, almost as if they were holding the start of the show just for us. We were seated right up front and after a glass of champagne was delivered, the show started. We were treated to a traditional show that included not only tango dancing, but singing, traditional flutes and accordions.

While it was a very busy and full day, it was definitely the most unique Christmas we have had together so far.